Kyle Lightbourne hopes his first goal since December can act as the catalyst that might save Macclesfield Town's Football League status.

The Bermudian striker netted against Bristol Rovers last Saturday in a 1-1 draw between the two relegation threatened sides.

A neat finish following a delightful build-up provided Lightbourne with his tenth goal of the season as Macclesfield sought to pull away from the Third Division drop zone.

The player had not scored since Macclesfield's draw at Exeter in December, but after the West Country clash he was relieved and already hungry for more.

Lightbourne told the Maccesfield Express newspaper: "Goals breed confidence for strikers. I've been on a bit of a low because of not scoring, but hopefully I can come through that now and start scoring again.

"I've reached ten for the season now, but it's now up to me to take it on from there.

"It does feel good to score again, but the main thing for us is to get back to winning ways as soon as possible."

Unfortunately, Lightbourne's strike against the Pirates was not enough to secure all three points, the home side equalising minutes later with a goal of the month contender.

"It was one of those games where we thought the first goal was going to win it, until they scored that wonder goal," said Lightbourne.

"There's nobody you can blame for that.

"The main thing is for us to keep picking up points, if we do that on a regular basis we'll be OK.

"The players know that the home form needs to be improved, our away form has kept us in it really. If we can turn things around at home then we know we'll be safe."

Lightbourne went on to compliment the rest of the squad at the Moss Rose, and refused to be downhearted despite the club's precarious position in table.

"Hopefully we can stop the rot now, I don't think there is anything in this league. We're in the bottom three but on our day we can beat anyone," he said.

"We've given a good account of ourselves against some of the top teams, but have let ourselves down against some of the teams that are around us."

Lightbourne will be in the starting line-up when Macclesfield take on Southend at Moss Rose today.

Although he picked up an ankle knock last week, he is fit and raring to go.

Macclesfield manager Dave Moss said: "Kyle took a bang on his ankle on Saturday, but he returned to training (on Tuesday).

"Kyle can make a real contribution to our cause, and I'm pleased that he is back in the goals again.

"If we didn't have his ten goals we'd be in a sorry state."

Meanwhile, Shaun Goater will take his now customary place on the bench when Manchester City take on Blackburn in the Premiership at Ewood Park today.

City boss Kevin Keegan is set to stick with his preferred strikeforce of Nicolas Anelka and Robbie Fowler, despite Goater snatching a dramatic equaliser against Graeme Souness' men earlier this season.